Unemployment-It's up again in California

(04-17) 12:06 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- The state unemployment rate soared to 11.2 percent in March, the highest since before World War II, leaving a record 2.1 million Californians out of work, according to a report issued Friday. (San Francisco Chronicle)

It's up again, the unemployment figures continue to rise. One person out of every nine in California is unemployed. It's hard to believe.

The good news, some companies are hiring in spite of other companies having to still layoff staff.

To check out the top 200 companies in the bay area, check out this link to the SF Chronicles CHRON200.

And here's to all of us out there looking for work in 2009. vlb

Jobless claims top 6M; housing starts plummet

"

WASHINGTON — The number of people receiving jobless benefits exceeded 6 million for the first time, the government reported Thursday, and housing construction unexpectedly plunged to its second-lowest level on record — fresh evidence that the recession is far from over.

Analysts expect the labor market to remain weak for the most of this year with companies reluctant to hire new workers until an economic recovery is well under way. And the latest housing data show the slump in that market, a major factor in triggering the recession, has yet to hit bottom." (from Comcast.net news and information)

Well, this was the first bit of news I read this morning as I logged on to work on school projects, and do my job search research. Finding a job in 2009 is going to be tough. So here's to the unemployed out there, stay steadfast, because in spite of this news, Craigslist, Monster.com, Ladders, and a host of other sites out there continue to post tons of positions, and although they may not yield what your looking for, these sites do give way to new directions of possibility for work, that maybe you have not yet thought of. Be creative!:) vlb

Never Give Up

Whatever it is you're dealing with today, don't give up, never give up. The path may be steep, maybe you can't see an end to the path. But hindsight is 20/20. Sometimes it helps to look back, as you move forward.

In my ongoing job search I'm learning many lessons, sharpening many skills, and learning to be present and grateful, not just for where I've been, but for where I'm going to be. vlb